You know that feeling you get when you're in the wrong place at the wrong time? And similarly, the opposite feeling when you're in the exact right place at exactly the right time? That's what the past year has been for me - the first one. I felt like I was in the wrong place at the wrong time at my job. Even a sweet co-worker turned great friend would try to make me feel better, that it might be "where I was supposed to be" even if it was hard - but I didn't believe that. I don't know if I'll come to believe it. With the exception of meeting her (Love you, Sh-M-Andrea;) and a few other lovely women, I didn't feel like I was supposed to be there. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It didn't fulfill me and I wasn't good at it.
So I left.
My husband has been so supportive, (despite being the one in charge worrying about our finances!;) he knew I wasn't myself and I wasn't utilizing my strengths. (And let's not forget that he had a similar experience in 2012 - so he knew how it felt!) And my sweet father-in-law, who is the best father-in-law in the world, by the way, told me "You're unemployed and I'm proud of you." It felt really good. It felt right to leave, even without a backup plan.
So I didn't plan it this way, but it worked out that the Friday before Alt was my last day of work. Talk about divine intervention, y'all. Part of the reason I loved Alt so much is that I am ready. The change in my life that I've been needing and wanting for the past year and a half is happening. I don't know where it is leading or what will happen, but I feel good. I feel, finally, like I'm in the right place at the right time.
Thanks, Alt.
Image by Brooke Dennis & Justin Hackworth for Alt Summit
Whitney - congrats on taking the plunge! I'm so excited for you, and jealous that you have the strength and courage to take a leap of faith for yourself and your dreams!! I know there's lots of wonderful opportunity and exciting things in store for you & I can't wait to hear about them! HOORAY!
ReplyDeleteYay Whit! I'm excited for you. It feels like you are on the verge of something completely wonderful. Can't wait to see more about it on here. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Whitney, I spent a solid seven years trying to find the "right" full-time job for me, and when I finally admitted to myself that I'm happiest when I'm freelancing, my world opened up. You're going to find yourself in the same position, I'm sure of it. You sparkle (have you SEEN how many photos there are of you at Alt?!) and everyone wants to hang out with you! So I'm excited to see what you do next and where this adventure takes you. xo
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Whitney!! I think something pretty awesome will come out of it!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, Whit! I love that feeling of a huge weight being lifted off--like you can finally breathe easy again! I secretly hope whatever you end up doing involves lots of time with flowers!;) xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your news with the world! I can't wait to see what "creative" endevour you decide to take on next. You have such a creative energy and I think you find your calling soon.
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Congratulations Whitney! That's something I've always wanted to do but haven't had the courage to. I think you'll have an exciting journey ahead and I can't wait to see what happens :)
ReplyDeleteproud of you, you, quitter you.
ReplyDeletethat is awesome whitney! i totally hear you about the whole being in the wrong place at the wrong time and it feeling so… wrong (for lack of a better word). i went to alt to gather the courage to leave my job… and i think it's safe to say that i will be doing the same within the next few months. ;) congrats on taking a huge step towards happiness and doing what you love!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that you feel good about your current space in life! I have to say that even though you were miserable i so enjoyed working with you and learned so much from you! I know you have so many wonderful things coming your way! You better not forget about me...lol
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo !!! Congrats again friend. You are going to do incredible, amazing things. I'm so glad we met, and I can't wait to cheer you on as you go! Thanks for being so brave and thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great feeling! Proud of you, Whit :) Quitting is hard, especially without a back-up plan. I did that in October 2011 after absolutely suffering in my job for a year and a half... So tough, but ultimately so good.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I have deep roots in Atlanta and would love to know what you are excited about so I can keep an eye and an ear out. Love love!
Awesome! Congrats Whitney!!
ReplyDeleteYES! I quit my job last year right before ALT - best decision I've ever made. No doubt it will be for you too. Congratulations on creative freedom!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I left my dream job in New York and took a year to "find myself" through backpacking around the world. It was the best decision ever, and I'm sure you're going to reap so many benefits from making a change for yourself!
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your post, I felt like I was reading a page out of my own life. I've been there, and am still there. I too left my wrong place, wrong time job, and was so happy to do it. It's been so great to focus on the blog for a while. Life is too short to be unhappy my dear! Thanks for putting it out there. I am now your newest follower. :)
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BRAVO!!! Whitney i am so happy you have walked into another world of freedom. I had you feeling last March and quit my part time job to follow my passion of event management design and blogging. You made the best decision and so did I. Big hug!!!!
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